All Saints were proud to receive a special mention at the National Church Awards held at the Chapter House in Lincoln Cathedral on 22nd October. Although the judges felt the rebuilding of All Saints did not fit the normal criteria for ongoing care and maintenance, time was taken at the start of the proceeding to highlight and commend us for the “skill, care and dedication” to rebuild this beautiful church, after the devastating fire in 2015.
In particular, the panel were impressed by the huge amount of support and determination of Fleet people, past and present, which made the rebuilding of All Saints such a community event.
Immediately after the fire we were inundated with messages and offers of help. People were bereft at the attack on their church which has been at the heart of the town since its very beginning. Schools in Fleet held fundraising events, people ran marathons, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats and seventy-year-olds jumped out of aeroplanes. Musicians came from far and wide to play. Several thousand bricks and 150 leaves on the new rose window were sponsored. Men’s Shed made the memorial book cabinet, and all the new furniture was sponsored. Individuals, businesses and organisations contributed.
This affirmation by the National Church Trust, is testament to everyone in our community and we would like a say a huge thank, you once again, to everyone who has helped us to rebuild All Saints Church for the people of Fleet.
The church is open on a Wednesday and Saturday morning 10.00 – 12.00, to anyone who would like to visit. We hope to open the church on more days of the week in the near future.
Jan Cole & Elizabeth Waller